Types Of Peas

A History Lesson for Various Types of Peas

When most people think of peas, they simply think of delicious round vegetables and not the various types of peas. The truth is that there are more options for this particular vegetable than imagined. As we all know, peas are a tiny, round green bean, which grows inside pods on a vine. Falling in the legume category, peas are cooked in numerous ways depending on the recipe and even culture.

Interestingly, among the types of peas are many other seeds that fall within the Fabaceae family, and as with the traditional pea, the majority are small and round. The plants on which peas grow are annuals, meaning they only grow once within a year and after that, a new plant would be placed in the ground. However, with the nutritional value and delicious taste, planting every year is worth the time and effort.

Archaeologists have discovered many varieties peas around the world, estimating they have been around since the creation of time. In addition to the information provided, we wanted to list some additional facts.

Immature types of peas are called green peas, shell peas, or garden peas

Mature peas are grown in different geographic areas but more commonly in Britain

Mature peas are often exported to various regions of the Far East

Some of the oldest types of pears are popular throughout Japan

Peas can be purchased fresh, still inside the pod, frozen, or canned

As peas mature, they go through the drying process naturally while still on the vine in the field, which are called marrowfat peas

Fresh peas can be cooked in a number of ways, to include adding them to casseroles and salads but the most popular involves boiling with butter added for enhanced flavor

The sweet varieties of pod peas are known as mangetout and sugar, often used in stir fry recipes

Throughout the United States, different types of pea vary depending on the region where they are grown

Peas grown in the southern parts of the country are known as cowpeas or English peas

Peas originated in Middle Asia, specifically India and Afghanistan, as well as the near East, growing in the mountains and on plateaus of Ethiopia

Initially, peas were dark and much smaller than types of peas known today and used only as a dry seed for wonderful soup

The Persians were responsible for introducing peas to the Greeks and Romans

During the 20th century, peas were stored in London, where they were kept in a nunnery for Lent

It was not until the latter part of the 18th century when English, German, and Belgium botanists documented the description for various types of peas, noting differences in size and shape, as well as the appearance of the seeds

While numerous countries grew wonderful varieties, it was the English that grew some of the best varieties, which we know as shelled or English peas

Peas were a popular vegetable throughout time but at the end of the 17th century, they became famous for being the food of the wealthy, a delicious delicacy

An Austrian monk known as Gregor Johann Mendel is responsible for using the pea plant in genetic research

The favorite variety of peas enjoyed around the world include snap peas, sugar peas, English peas, and Snow peas

Peas share commonalities – they can be enjoyed shelled or unshelled, they have a slight sweet flavor, and they are extremely tender

Of all pea varieties, the most famous of all is split pea

Other varieties include pigeon peas, commonly grown in Asia, winter peas, grown in Austria mostly for animal food, yellow peas, a popular Scandinavian variety, and black-eyed peas, which come from Africa but are actually classified as a variety of bean

Pease are sown during the spring and during cool summers but the vines begin producing once the weather turns warm

For all types of peas to grow strong and healthy, the plants need support, such as a trellis, cages, or stakes